Executive brief
A logic error in Google Pixel device bootloader code allows an attacker with system-level access to bypass permission checks and escalate privileges. The bootloader is the low-level firmware that runs before the operating system; compromising it can give attackers complete control over the device and access to all data stored on it. This vulnerability does not require user interaction to exploit.
Technical details
The vulnerability is a permission bypass resulting from a logic error in the Pixel bootloader code, classified as an elevation of privilege (EoP) issue. It requires System execution privileges as a precondition for exploitation, indicating the attacker must already have local system-level access. The attack is locally executed with no network component or user interaction required. An attacker with these privileges can bypass permission checks to gain elevated access or further privilege escalation. Patches have been released in the September 2026 security update (patch level 2026-09-05 or later) for all supported Pixel devices.
Affected products
- Google Pixel Bootloader
Timeline
- 2026-09-15: disclosed
- 2026-09-05: patched